Luka Doncic's Message to Kyrie Irving Strikes an Emotional Chord with Fans
Luka Doncic's trade to the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2024-25 season remains one, if not the most shocking, trades in NBA history. After all, prior to being sent to L.A., the Slovenian star was considered an untouchable piece for the Dallas Mavericks.
Advertisement
Not to mention that Doncic was fresh off leading the Mavericks to the NBA Finals the season prior. With his improved chemistry with Kyrie Irving as well, there were high hopes that they would be able to keep Dallas in title contention.
However, despite his unexpected trade, Doncic has maintained his bond with his former teammates, particularly Irving. In fact, when Irving suffered a torn ACL in March, the Lakers star was among the first to show his support.
On Thursday, Doncic and Irving's friendship was on full display once again after the former commented on the latter's Instagram post.
Amid his recovery from his injury, Irving shared several photos of himself on a yacht as well as working out and spending time with his close friends and family.
Advertisement
Doncic, for his part, reacted to the post and wrote, "Thanks for the invite on the yacht."
Unsurprisingly, after a Mavericks fan page shared Luka Doncic's comment, many supporters couldn't help but get emotional. Several fans commented with crying emojis, clearly missing their former superstar.
"Breaks my heart," a commenter wrote. Another one said, "It's been zero days since I was reminded of how awful the Luka trade was."
A heartbroken supporter added, "Wish lukai lasted forever."
"just ruined my whole day thanks," a disappointed fan stated, a sentiment echoed by another follower who noted, "Alright thanks for ruining my night again."
Advertisement
"2024 Mavs was the closest I've ever felt to 2011 vibes," a sixth Dallas faithful further stated, reminiscing the team's incredible run with Doncic and Irving during the 2023-24 campaign.
Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic comments on Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving's latest IG post.Jerome Miron / Gary A. Vasquez - Imagn Images
While it will take time for Irving to return to the court, it's safe to expect that the next time he reunites with Doncic on the court will be an emotional one.
Related: Dalton Knecht 'Shook,' Lakers Fans Hyped Over Bronny James Dunk
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 4, 2025, where it first appeared.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CNN
29 minutes ago
- CNN
Cowboys return man KaVontae Turpin arrested on marijuana and weapon charges
All-Pro return man KaVontae Turpin of the Cowboys was arrested in a Dallas suburb on misdemeanor charges of marijuana possession and unlawful carrying of a weapon, authorities said Sunday. Turpin was arrested by police in Allen on Saturday. The 28-year-old is out of jail on bond. There is no record of an attorney for Turpin. The team declined to comment. The former TCU standout is going into his fourth season with the Cowboys and recently signed an $18 million, three-year contract. Turpin's TCU career ended in 2018 when he was kicked off the team after the school found out about a second domestic violence case against him. The case from New Mexico was discovered following an alleged incident with his girlfriend at an off-campus apartment in Fort Worth. Both cases involved the same woman. The Cowboys signed Turpin out of the USFL in 2022. He had played in several satellite football leagues before joining the USFL. Turpin secured his spot on the team by returning a punt and a kickoff for touchdowns in a 2022 preseason game. He was one of the best return men in the NFL his first two years, but didn't have any returns for TDs until his All-Pro season in 2024. Turpin returned a punt and a kickoff for scores last season. Turpin's role as a receiver has grown, and first-year coach Brian Schottenheimer, who will call the plays on offense, has indicated the speedy and diminutive player will be targeted more often in his scheme. Turpin had career bests of 31 catches for 420 yards and scored two touchdowns last season. He had three TDs receiving and one rushing in 2023.
USA Today
30 minutes ago
- USA Today
NBA Summer League 2025: When will Bronny James, LA Lakers play next?
Bronny James is back with the Los Angeles Lakers for a second year of Summer League action, which began play on Sunday, July 6. James completed his rookie season, playing on the Lakers' main roster and the South Bay Lakers as a two-way player. He saw limited action for the Lakers, averaging 3.4 points, 0.8 assists and 0.7 rebounds in 6.7 minutes per game. He started just one of the 27 games he played. James and the Lakers have already started their exhibition season for the offseason, competing in the California Classic on Sunday with a 103-83 victory over the Miami Heat. It remains unclear what James' role or expected playing time will be throughout the summer. Bronny James' latest performance James played shot 3-of-7 from the field, finishing with 10 points, two rebounds and a steal in 11 minutes as a starter for the Lakers on Sunday. He shot 2-for-5 from the 3-point line and went 2-for-2 from the free throw line. When is Bronny James' next Summer League game? Game: Los Angeles Lakers vs. San Antonio Spurs Date: Tuesday, July 8 Location: Chase Center (San Francisco) Start time: 10 p.m. ET TV: ESPN Stream: ESPN+
USA Today
30 minutes ago
- USA Today
Cooper Flagg debut: When will Dallas Mavericks rookie play during NBA's Summer League?
Cooper Flagg will see his first action in a Dallas Mavericks jersey later this week in the NBA Summer League. Flagg was the No. 1 overall pick by the Mavericks on June 25. While he's expected to be the franchise's future star, he will not have to carry the burden of taking on those primary responsibilities as a rookie on the roster that already features Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving. Until then, Flagg will be the focal point on July 10, when he will be the featured attraction in his debut as the Mavericks take on the Los Angeles Lakers at 8 p.m. ET. More: How will Cooper Flagg fare in the NBA? Experts weigh in Who is Cooper Flagg? Flagg spent just one season at Duke before pursuing his NBA career. As a freshman, he started all 37 games that he played in and averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists in 30 minutes per game. He earned several notable college basketball accolades, including the Wooden Award and the Naismith Award. How to watch Cooper Flagg's summer league debut? The biggest stories, every morning. Stay up-to-date on all the key sports developments by subscribing to USA TODAY Sports' newsletter.
